A beautiful compilation of wonderful stories by Rabindranath Tagore depicted aesthetically in this must watch series. Anyone interested in India or Indian culture or Indian stories will definitely love this. If you liked Parineeta you will like this. I am so glad that Netflix features this. Had such fun watching the stories we read as children. Anurag Basu has also done a great job in turning these classics into a motion series. We need to revive more of such stories. They make the world seem like a better place and i want to go back to this India.. visit India again, live in this India. This was like an adult version of Malgudi Days. Not that I can ever get too old for Malgudi Days.
29 Reviews
A highly recommended series based on Indian literature
ComedyFan201031 May 2018
This series is a collection of Rabindranath Tagore stories. Already while watching it I bought myself a book of his stories to read more by him as I loved the scenarios. It is also very amazing how at that time he was already very much pro gender equality as one can see in his strong female characters.
I am not too familiar in Indian culture and it was a nice introduction to the life and traditions back at the time when the stories take place. Each story is unique and beautifully told. The acting is great and what I loved the most was the beautiful scenery one can see in each story that makes one even more interested in that beautiful culture. It was a delight to watch.
I am not too familiar in Indian culture and it was a nice introduction to the life and traditions back at the time when the stories take place. Each story is unique and beautifully told. The acting is great and what I loved the most was the beautiful scenery one can see in each story that makes one even more interested in that beautiful culture. It was a delight to watch.
Beautiful and Soulful
ekeby14 June 2016
This is a series of connected stories, the tail end of one becoming the beginning of the next. The series is in Hindi with occasional English words and phrases.
The stories seem to take place in the 1950s, that is the look and feeling conveyed. Many of the stories have extended flashbacks to earlier times. The photography is beautiful and the locales fascinating.
But it is the soulful stories that will grip you. They're deeply reflective of the culture. The complexities of arranged marriages and familial situations feel authentic and original to this Westerner's eye. Music is an integral part of many of the stories, and it's wonderfully done. Characters sing to one another, with lyrics that obliquely refer to the person they're singing to. This is especially effective when the two people are in love but are for one reason or another unable to be together.
How Americans will take to this is not easy to predict. This is not a Merchant Ivory film, that is, one targeted to American and European audiences. But the production values are just as good and if you allow yourself to go with the flow, you may find this as charming as I do.
The stories seem to take place in the 1950s, that is the look and feeling conveyed. Many of the stories have extended flashbacks to earlier times. The photography is beautiful and the locales fascinating.
But it is the soulful stories that will grip you. They're deeply reflective of the culture. The complexities of arranged marriages and familial situations feel authentic and original to this Westerner's eye. Music is an integral part of many of the stories, and it's wonderfully done. Characters sing to one another, with lyrics that obliquely refer to the person they're singing to. This is especially effective when the two people are in love but are for one reason or another unable to be together.
How Americans will take to this is not easy to predict. This is not a Merchant Ivory film, that is, one targeted to American and European audiences. But the production values are just as good and if you allow yourself to go with the flow, you may find this as charming as I do.
A Delight for the Senses
missioner-5531117 July 2016
In response to the review by ekeby, I feel there are many in America who would enjoy this series, and maybe use it as a springboard to learn more about Rabindranath Tagore and his works ... provided it is brought to their attention ... maybe a promotional banner on the Netflix home page?
The series is a delight to the senses, with an attention to detail in all aspects of production ... the camera work and the settings, the color and lighting, the props and the costumes. The musical score is an added delight. I enjoy the performances, even though I have to rely upon English subtitles - I genuinely believe what the characters say, and the emotions they display with honesty and a total lack of melodrama.
I am only into Episode 7, but I plan on seeing this series through all the way to the end. Does it faithfully transfer Tagore's writings to the television screen? That I can't say ... but I hope to correct that in the near future with a visit to the bookstores in search of English translations of those writings.
The series is a delight to the senses, with an attention to detail in all aspects of production ... the camera work and the settings, the color and lighting, the props and the costumes. The musical score is an added delight. I enjoy the performances, even though I have to rely upon English subtitles - I genuinely believe what the characters say, and the emotions they display with honesty and a total lack of melodrama.
I am only into Episode 7, but I plan on seeing this series through all the way to the end. Does it faithfully transfer Tagore's writings to the television screen? That I can't say ... but I hope to correct that in the near future with a visit to the bookstores in search of English translations of those writings.
Mind blowing impact
aniweren29 June 2016
Remarkable narration and keen performance of all the actors. The stories written 100 years ago relates even today's life events. It is nothing but Tagore's wisdom.
There were minor blemishes in art direction and small stuff, but the depth of the story just touches and freezes your heart with varied emotions. Get ready to drench in the ocean of emotions. In some episodes, I had the impact of watching ten world movies combined.
Expect a surprise for every episode. In episodes 7-10, Tagore has artistically portrayed some of the most complex relationships. A must watch for true cinema lovers.
There were minor blemishes in art direction and small stuff, but the depth of the story just touches and freezes your heart with varied emotions. Get ready to drench in the ocean of emotions. In some episodes, I had the impact of watching ten world movies combined.
Expect a surprise for every episode. In episodes 7-10, Tagore has artistically portrayed some of the most complex relationships. A must watch for true cinema lovers.
Overall a great show and definitely a must watch for all.
lakshyagupta2 August 2016
So overall, the series is composed of many of Rabindranath Tagore's stories and Basu narrates them using his own style, with his own beautiful interpretations in the series, linking them in a catchy style. The stories (though not intended to be linked by Tagore), are linked to almost seem it's all a one blend of a story from India, particular Bengal in the 20s/30s Colonised India.
While shot very aesthetically and artfully, with very realistic acting by the talented actors, the amazing photography and the beautiful scenery, it's the emotions and the culture that this show exudes which make it unique. The show seems to carry a soul of its own. The show has a certain charm and character of its own, which seems to be generating from the culture it reflects.
The complexities of arranged marriage, the feeling of being in love and being stuck, the family situations in those times all make sense and very new and original to watch.
The show stresses on gender equality and presents females taking a strong role in the society. It is very impressive to see Tagore, in those days, would write about such taboo topics, some of which are still considered Taboo in the current Indian society.
One of the most talked about feature, and well worth the praise, is the music and the songs of the T. V. Series. The songs are better than many of the current Bollywood song lyrics, with these songs representing the actual emotions as expressed by the characters, sung beautifully by some A-List singers and with a catchy and beautiful music to it. The background score of the entire show is especially catchy and keeps the audience craving for more and more.
The acting by the many talented actors is beautiful. The kids in Atithi and how well they have converted their emotions is truly amazing to witness. One can easily get lost in the stories, believing them to happening in real while watching the show.
The locations and screwy Basu has chosen covers almost the entirety of Bengal, making it look so much more beautiful and mesmerizing than it actually might be. And the show not just limits itself to the Zamindars or the Calcutta scenery, but extends on to Bengal Hill-stations up north, small mud houses, march villages.
Some of my remembered and favorite stories from this show will be (in no order of preference) Chokher Bail, Atithi, Maan Bhajan Girbala, Kabuliwala (beautifully portrayed), Punishment, Sampati, Chhooti, Mrinal Ki Chitthi. Although every story presented is unique on its own way touching upon the many shades of Grey that life is in their own way. The diversity of the shows shines through it's episodes, covering the different moods, from light to tender, from rich to poor, from the happy to the miserable.
While shot very aesthetically and artfully, with very realistic acting by the talented actors, the amazing photography and the beautiful scenery, it's the emotions and the culture that this show exudes which make it unique. The show seems to carry a soul of its own. The show has a certain charm and character of its own, which seems to be generating from the culture it reflects.
The complexities of arranged marriage, the feeling of being in love and being stuck, the family situations in those times all make sense and very new and original to watch.
The show stresses on gender equality and presents females taking a strong role in the society. It is very impressive to see Tagore, in those days, would write about such taboo topics, some of which are still considered Taboo in the current Indian society.
One of the most talked about feature, and well worth the praise, is the music and the songs of the T. V. Series. The songs are better than many of the current Bollywood song lyrics, with these songs representing the actual emotions as expressed by the characters, sung beautifully by some A-List singers and with a catchy and beautiful music to it. The background score of the entire show is especially catchy and keeps the audience craving for more and more.
The acting by the many talented actors is beautiful. The kids in Atithi and how well they have converted their emotions is truly amazing to witness. One can easily get lost in the stories, believing them to happening in real while watching the show.
The locations and screwy Basu has chosen covers almost the entirety of Bengal, making it look so much more beautiful and mesmerizing than it actually might be. And the show not just limits itself to the Zamindars or the Calcutta scenery, but extends on to Bengal Hill-stations up north, small mud houses, march villages.
Some of my remembered and favorite stories from this show will be (in no order of preference) Chokher Bail, Atithi, Maan Bhajan Girbala, Kabuliwala (beautifully portrayed), Punishment, Sampati, Chhooti, Mrinal Ki Chitthi. Although every story presented is unique on its own way touching upon the many shades of Grey that life is in their own way. The diversity of the shows shines through it's episodes, covering the different moods, from light to tender, from rich to poor, from the happy to the miserable.
A Very Beautifully Presented Show Which Keeps The Essence of Kolkata Intact
rockinggirldiya27 July 2016
Anurag Basu has given Rabindranath Tagore's stories a realistic punch keeping the British India that we read of only in our History Textbooks. These episodes are all based on Rabindranath Tagore's Short Stories. Shot in old Kolkata to keep the late 1800's and early 1900's along with the attire of those days, which before was only limited to books.
He has shown us those raw emotions that Rabindranath Tagore expresses in his stories, those twists and turns at the most unexpected times, and the same thrill that used to keep the readers of his books keep their lights on till the wee hours of morning at their bedside being given to us in our television sets, along with the background scores which elates to the scene, making this series beautiful.
He has shown us those raw emotions that Rabindranath Tagore expresses in his stories, those twists and turns at the most unexpected times, and the same thrill that used to keep the readers of his books keep their lights on till the wee hours of morning at their bedside being given to us in our television sets, along with the background scores which elates to the scene, making this series beautiful.
Unprecedented work on Indian Television
royrik20 July 2015
The Television, despite being a very powerful and influential media all across the globe, has always remained an unrecognized force with respect to the Indian context. Although, there has been some flickers here , a sliver of hope there , yet nothing concrete has come out over the years.
"Stories by Rabindranath Tagore" will definitely provide the much needed respite to the Indian Televiewers,with sheer class. The helmsman Anurag Basu has the adequate expertise and vision to translate and deliver the beautifully layered timeless classics of the Bard onto a media through which the larger part of the country can savor their almost unhampered glory.
The series starts with the story "Chokher Bali" about the various dilemmas of a young widow's life in the backdrop of social renaissance in a colonized Bengal. "Binodini" played by Radhika Apte to the hilt is a masterpiece indeed. The viewer will be moved by her portrayal, and the play of emotions on her almost no-makeup countenance, the shadow of a despair and melancholy in her smile, beautifully complemented by the background score based on Tagore's songs. The cast and crew specially Sumit as "Bihari" deserve special mention. The director's expertise comes in the fact that each member of the unit have outperformed themselves. The Rabindrasangeet "Amaro Porano Jaha Chai" rendered by the soulful voice of Arijit Singh steals the show.
The last scene of "Chokher Bali" connects with the story "Atithi" in signature style of Anurag Basu with the Baul Sangeet in the background and the Bolpur Station in the background would make any Bengali nostalgic. Definitely, this series shows immense promise and I am keenly looking forward to the classics Noshtonir, Charulata, Kabuliwala on the small screen. #EPICAT10
"Stories by Rabindranath Tagore" will definitely provide the much needed respite to the Indian Televiewers,with sheer class. The helmsman Anurag Basu has the adequate expertise and vision to translate and deliver the beautifully layered timeless classics of the Bard onto a media through which the larger part of the country can savor their almost unhampered glory.
The series starts with the story "Chokher Bali" about the various dilemmas of a young widow's life in the backdrop of social renaissance in a colonized Bengal. "Binodini" played by Radhika Apte to the hilt is a masterpiece indeed. The viewer will be moved by her portrayal, and the play of emotions on her almost no-makeup countenance, the shadow of a despair and melancholy in her smile, beautifully complemented by the background score based on Tagore's songs. The cast and crew specially Sumit as "Bihari" deserve special mention. The director's expertise comes in the fact that each member of the unit have outperformed themselves. The Rabindrasangeet "Amaro Porano Jaha Chai" rendered by the soulful voice of Arijit Singh steals the show.
The last scene of "Chokher Bali" connects with the story "Atithi" in signature style of Anurag Basu with the Baul Sangeet in the background and the Bolpur Station in the background would make any Bengali nostalgic. Definitely, this series shows immense promise and I am keenly looking forward to the classics Noshtonir, Charulata, Kabuliwala on the small screen. #EPICAT10
The best way to see the stories of the Great Shri Rabindranath Tagore
jetkot9 December 2020
He was indeed way ahead of his times. He picked up controversial social issues and weaved stories around them. He was celebrated because he made an impact with his storytelling. The impact of the pen that is indeed mightier than the sword. This beautiful TV Series does justice to the source material and each story is shown picturesquely. It appeals to you and leaves an impact on you. Bhanu Uday, Sumeet Vyas, Radhika Apte, put forth some brilliant performances. A must watch Indian series for fans of artistic TV shows.
Best indian series
satyam-somu22 October 2019
Indian culture done right {criti-cally reviews}
criti-cally31 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
So as the show started, I saw the name directed by Anurag Basu. Hmmm, no where did I hear this name before? Oh yeah, he directed Barfi! Recently and before that made Life in...a metro, Murder and has some good films and my personal favourites under his collar such as Kites, Gangster and Saaya. So expectation from the show soared all of a sudden.
The star cast of the first story starring Radhika Apte ain't bad either. So expectations are running high by now.
Overall verdict? A beautiful show. Anytime watch, and never thought an Indian show could get to me so much and make me so engrossed. Absolutely loved it.
So overall, the series is composed of many of Rabindranath Tagore's stories and Basu narrates them using his own style, with his own beautiful interpretations in the series, linking them in a catchy style. The stories (though not intended to be linked by Tagore), are linked to almost seem it's all a one blend of a story from India, particular Bengal in the 20s/30s Colonised India.
While shot very arsthicaly and artfully, with very realistic acting by the talented actors, the amazing photography and the beautiful scenery, it's the emotions and the culture that this show exudes which make it unique. The show seems to carry a soul of its own. The show has a certain charm and character of its own, which seems to be generating from the culture it reflects.
The complexities of arranged marriage, the feeling of being in love and being stuck, the family situations in those times all make sense and very new and original to watch.
The show stresses on gender equality and presents females taking a strong role in the society. It is very impressive to see Tagore, in those days, would write about such taboo topics, some of which are still considered Taboo in the current Indian society.
One of the most talked about feature, and well worth the praise, is the music and the songs of the T. V. Series. The songs are better than many of the current Bollywood song lyrics, with these songs representing the actual emotions as expressed by the characters, sung beautifully by some A-List singers and with a catchy and beautiful music to it. The background score of the entire show is especially catchy and keeps the audience craving for more and more.
The acting by the many talented actors is beautiful. The kids in Atithi and how well they have converted their emotions is truly amazing to witness. One can easily get lost in the stories, believing them to happening in real while watching the show.
The locations and scenery Basu has chosen covers almost the entirety of Bengal, making it look so much more beautiful and mesmerising than it actually might be. And the show not just limits itself to the Zamindars or the Calcutta scenery, but extends on to Bengal Hill-stations up north, small mud houses, march villages.
Some of my remembered and favourite stories from this show will be (in no order of preference) Chokher Bail, Atithi, Maan Bhajan Girbala, Kabuliwala (beautifully portrayed), Punishment, Sampati, Chhooti, Mrinal Ki Chitthi. Although every story presented is unique on its own way touching upon the many shades of grey that life is in their own way. The diversity of the shows shines through it's episodes, covering the different moods, from light to tender, from rich to poor, from the happy to the miserable.
Overall a great show and definitely a must watch for all.
Tagore's masterpieces ...
samabc-3195216 October 2020
Directed by Anurag Basu.. a nice adaption of the short stories by Tagore..They are set in British India during early 20th century... The show showcases some of Tagore's masterpieces including Chokharbali, Binodini, Charulata, Atithi and Kabuliwala.. In this time and age, a lot may sound more like a humdrum or even a cliche but Tagore's portrayal of progressive and to some extent chance takers - woman protagonists and the colonial India comes to life in this adaption ..
No Bengali At All :(
angelbaybii234347 April 2018
I haven't seen much of the series so far, but when I started it, I was very disappointed that the characters did not speak Bengali at all. This is historically/geographically inaccurate and fails to pay homage to the language that Rabindranath Tagore spoke and used to convey his art.
Islamisation and deviation from the story
ashwinkabbinahalli19 September 2020
What was the need to deviate from the story and preach Islam? Why was the girl doing namaz? Won't the children follow the religion of her parents? Also has Rabindranath Tagore has anywhere written that the girl did namaz?
Best portrayal of Tagore stories, more so the social issues
parinithaj11 January 2018
Beautifully portrayed stories, the culture, the social issues and how women stood up to it in those times. It also showed hoe there were always strong minded women and gentle carin men in their life who stood by and supported. Wish we could see that in today's society. I was impressed by the costumes and music that fitted so well. I was captured by the series and watched every one. I woul love to buy some DVDs to keep and give as presents to friends, not sure where to buy them
A masterpiece
ghoshsayanhowrah14 September 2020
One of the Best TV Show from India
amishshah-564476 September 2018
Stories by Rabindranath Tagore is tv series which has unrelated episodes made from short stories, novels and poems of Rabindranath Tagore.
The cinematography is just splendid and so is the screenplay and narration.
One of the best things of this show is how each story is connected to the other at the end when actually there is no connection in the real stories.
The first story Chokher Bali is the best of the lot with amazing performances by Radhika Apte and Sumeet Vyas.
In all, the 45-50 minute episodes are a great binge watcher for any day!
One of the best things of this show is how each story is connected to the other at the end when actually there is no connection in the real stories.
The first story Chokher Bali is the best of the lot with amazing performances by Radhika Apte and Sumeet Vyas.
In all, the 45-50 minute episodes are a great binge watcher for any day!
Progressive story from past
manish-anandrpr18 August 2020
Visual Masterpiece!
neqeunu31 May 2021
Amazing cinematography and sound mixing, great direction and excellent performances make this a beautifully shot series. It's heart i.e. The stories themselves are incredible and far ahead of their time. Its a wonderful way to experience the greatness of the genius that Rabindranath Tagore was! Must-watch!
Marvellous series!!! Fascinating - great acting, set design & script!!!
ccfinlay29 September 2020
Really enjoying this series. It is extremely well made, replicating pre-independence colonial India. The acting is also top rate as are the story lines. For his times Tagore showed great compassion - he was a feminist portraying the suppression of women & an egalitarian portraying the cruelty of the caste system. His psychological portraits tally with my own real-life experiences, although I am a baby boomer Australian born in the 1950s. Very insightful documentation of the human condition... wish there were more series like this!!!
Must watch for everyone who Loves Lieterature
misanu-926984 October 2020
Total 24 episodes and each episode with its own charm encaptivating the viewer, mesmerized by the characters, plot and setting of the story. Though written about a century ago, it has the relevance with the present society.
The dream and aspirations of the widow Binodini in Chokher Bali, who is in quest for her identity but filled with remorse at the end for ruining other's life just for the sake of her fleeting excitement; the Giribala of Manhajan and the other female charcters of the various stories have been shown as the ones struggling for their rights and identity.
Overall, all the episodes of the series are delight to the eyes as well as heart and leave the viewers with many questions that one needs to ask oneself.
The direction of Anurag Basu has done proper justice to the exhilarating stories of Tagore.
Brilliant
akhilmickychadha2 August 2020
Almost all stories are well depicted
swaprava5 January 2021
Except a few stories where the characters' names were changed from the true ones, all others are quite efficient representation of the written stories. The whole season is dedicated to the theme on women in Tagore's days. The stories show women in some revolutionary roles, some offbeat romantic roles, and some criminal roles, but all empowered, which was difficult to come by in those days. I believe these stories went through severe criticism during then, and may well be criticized by certain section of the audience even today. But the point is that Tagore foresaw this more than a century ago and that keeps it relevant even today and tomorrow. The viewer will certainly be inspired to read some of these stories.
Coming to the screenplay and direction, it is awesomely done. Anurag Basu had actually done some stories better than the movies that were made on these stories. However, I'd also leave a note that the cast was often not appropriate for the roles and in at least one story, the name of the character was changed, which may be disliked by some purists (myself included). The director wanted to connect the characters from one story to the next, which was quite unnecessary and looked artificial. The stories and novels are independent pieces and interesting on their own right -- there was no need to connect them.
Coming to the screenplay and direction, it is awesomely done. Anurag Basu had actually done some stories better than the movies that were made on these stories. However, I'd also leave a note that the cast was often not appropriate for the roles and in at least one story, the name of the character was changed, which may be disliked by some purists (myself included). The director wanted to connect the characters from one story to the next, which was quite unnecessary and looked artificial. The stories and novels are independent pieces and interesting on their own right -- there was no need to connect them.
Poor screenplay and background score
aggarwal-meenakshi27 October 2016
Am I the only one that feels the series has not done justice to Tagore's stories? The background score is dreadful - unable to support the story and fails to create interest. It just seems like a collection of generic tunes that have no co-relation with the emotions being shown on screen. I understand some of them are Tagore's own tunes but surely the decision of selection and placement of the right tunes to support the story would have rested with the music director? The screenplay is also very poor - long gaps between dialogues creating very sluggish episodes. I found it hard to look past these and enjoy the stories as we should have been able to do. Overall, poor screenplay and even worse background score results in a product that fails the powerful stories created by Tagore.
Mesmerizing
sisukriti29 December 2020
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
